Dr. Benjamin (Benjie) Blair, assistant professor of biology at JSU, and
his colleagues designed the new biology labs in McGee Center to best fit
the needs of each lab. They also had a special place designed for a
scanning electron microscope. However, the university didn't have a way to
buy one -- until
now.

"We hoped to get the grant, and we prepared the lab as if we had already
received it," comments Blair. "If we hadn't gotten the grant, we would
have kept on trying."

Blair received a letter from the National Science Foundation on February
26. The amount of the grant, including matching funds, is $182,
299.00 And this is even sweeter for Blair,
because the news came on the same day his first daughter was born.

The microscope will be custom-made when the order is placed, according to
department chairman Dr. Bill Bowen. It should arrive sometime in early summer.

"We're excited about how the microscope will be used," says Blair.
"It will cross departmental lines."

Not only biology students and faculty will use the microscope, but
chemistry, computer science, geology and forensics will also have
access. Professors in these areas also had a part in the grant writing
process: Dr. Blair; Dr. Jan Gryko, assistant professor of chemistry;
Dr. Kelly Gregg, associate professor of geography; Dr. Frank Romano,
professor of biology; and Dr. William Bowen, professor of biology.

"The grant writing process is a very long, drawn out process," says
Blair. "The idea for this electron microscope has existed for over
three years."

And it couldn't have come at a worst time. Most grants require matching
funds from the university that receives them. With the onslaught of
proration, Blair was worried that the university wouldn't be able to
match the grant.

Bowen said matching funds are available.

"The administration has been very supportive," comments Blair. "Our
President, Dr. Bill Meehan, wrote a tremendous letter of support to the
Science Foundation for our grant."

In the world of grants,
administrative support is a key factor. It was actually one of the main
aspects the Science Foundation was looking for in JSU.

The total cost of the microscope is less than $182,299.00, but what is not
used for the purchase will be used for maintenance and upkeep of the
machine.

Most universities JSU's size wouldn't dream of buying such a piece of
equipment. But JSU is going an extra mile. Instead of just allowing
graduate students access to the microscope, it will be used extensively
by undergraduate students.

"Now JSU's students will have a leg-up with hands-on training provided
by our electron microscope," says Blair. "This is a tremendous
milestone for Jacksonville State University."